Tool Theft Continues To Grow, Says Latest Everywhen Data

The latest data from Everywhen makes for tough reading for any UK trader leaving a van full of tools on site for a day. Here’s the word;

Tool theft offences rose by 16% across 26 police forces in 2025, with 30,848 recorded, equating to around one theft every 17 minutes.

A study of 2,000 UK adults by trade specialist insurance provider Everywhen found that 32% of people who depend on tools for work would be unable to earn an income if their equipment was stolen. Furthermore, more than a third (34%) would be unable to complete jobs, and 25% would need to cancel appointments.

The findings come as the Theft of Tools of Trade Bill failed to progress. The bill proposed that sentencing guidelines account for lost earnings and business interruption as well as the cost of replacing tools

Currently, tool theft is classified as ‘harm category 3’ because most cases involve thefts valued at less than £10,000. However, the bill proposed the theft of trade tools be reclassified to ‘harm category 2 ’ to increase sentencing and deliver harsher consequences, even if the theft value is below £10k.

As a result, workers are calling for tougher penalties, with more than three-quarters (77%) stating that tool theft should carry stronger charges as it prevents victims from earning a living.

The average cost of workers’ tools is £1,857. Almost half (49%) reported having equipment worth at least £1,000, including 13% with tools valued between £2,500 and £4,999 and 11% with kit worth £5,000 or more.

Yet less than half (42%) say they would rely on insurance to cover the cost of replacing stolen equipment. A further 15% would pay the full replacement cost themselves, while 9% would be unable to replace their equipment immediately.

The UK cities most concerned about tool theft

Everywhen’s data found that respondents in London were the most concerned about tool theft (69%). Followed by Nottingham (61%) and Liverpool (59%).

With the rising reports of tool theft across the UK, almost half (49%) are concerned about having their kit stolen, while more than two-thirds (69%) believe tool theft is becoming more common.

The consequence of tool theft would be immediate, with almost one in four (23%) saying they would have to pay for replacement equipment out of their own pocket, and borrow or hire equipment to keep working (23%).

The study also revealed where workers are keeping their equipment overnight. More than a third (37%) keep their tools inside their home, while 22% store them in a garage, followed by a workshop, a shed or an outbuilding (10%), while 9% leave tools in a work vehicle or van.

Matt Cook, Head of Tradespeople Insurance at Everywhen said: “For many tradespeople and other workers, tools aren’t simply valuable possessions. They’re what allow them to earn a living.

“With less than half saying they would rely on insurance to cover replacements, many could find themselves having to fund new equipment themselves, borrow money, or delay work until they can replace what has been taken.

“Here are some steps tradespeople and workers can take to help protect their tools and reduce the financial impact if the worst happens:

1. Check exactly what your insurance covers.

“Don’t assume tools and equipment are automatically protected in every situation. Check your policy to understand which equipment is covered, any limits that apply, and whether there are conditions on where and how tools need to be stored.

“If you rely on expensive or specialist equipment for your work, make sure the level of cover reflects what it would actually cost to replace it.”

2. Keep an up-to-date record of your equipment.

“Keep a record of the tools you own, including photographs, serial numbers, receipts and their approximate replacement values. This can help you understand the total value of the equipment you rely on and provide useful evidence if you ever need to report a theft or make a claim.

“It’s also worth updating this record whenever you buy new equipment rather than waiting until something happens.”

3. Think carefully about where tools are stored overnight.

“Wherever you’re storing tools, take reasonable security precautions and check whether your insurance has specific requirements relating to that location.

“If tools need to remain in a vehicle overnight, for example, check whether your policy provides cover and whether any security conditions apply.”

4. Consider the cost of being unable to work.

“The value of the stolen equipment isn’t necessarily the only financial loss you could face. If missing tools mean you can’t complete jobs, have to cancel appointments or need to hire replacement equipment, the wider cost can quickly increase.

“Think about how your business would continue operating following a theft and whether your current insurance arrangements are appropriate for the risks you face.”

5. Review your cover as your equipment changes.

“The amount and value of equipment you use can change considerably over time, particularly as you invest in your business.  Regularly reviewing your equipment and insurance can help avoid discovering that your cover isn’t sufficient only after something has been stolen.”